Tuscany castles, palaces and mansions

The Tuscany region is rich in castles, towers, and historic houses, a strong testimony of medieval architecture. A dense network of manors spreads over the whole territory, in the plains, on the gentle hill slopes and perched on rocky mountains, surrounded by vineyards, beech and chestnut woods. Built in strategic positions, they dominate the surrounding valleys, often with mighty crenellated walls and lively interior decorations made on frescoed walls to recall the opulence of the local noble families. Many can be visited, still others used as private homes, and still others only ruins bearing witness to a glorious past. Discover with Visititaly, the fortresses, the villas, the forts, the historic buildings, the noble residences and all the places linked to culture that characterize the Tuscany region. If you have visited a castle and would like to share your experience with others, please report it here!

Pisa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo della Sapienza

The palace has Renaissance origins, but it was deeply restored during the '900. The beginning of construction dates back to the last years of the '400 and was completed towards the Metta of the '500. There are a lot of criticism regarding the construction of the building, the windows on the first floor are insufficient and poorly positioned with the consequence of low light in the rooms. The two magne classrooms also suffered a lot of criticism for their structure. Currently the building is the seat of the Faculty of Law of the University of Pisa.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo della Galleria degli Uffizi

One of the finest art galleries in the world, here you can follow the development of Italian painting, from the early beginnings until the seventeenth Century. The Renaissance palace was built by Vasari in 1560

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Corridoio Vasariano

The corridor that leads from the Uffizi, where were the former administrative offices, to Palazzo Pitti. In the corridor there are ancient sculptures, sarcophagi, statues and busts of the Roman Empire

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Vecchio

The palace is a symbol of the power of Florence and it has been the base of the government until Florence was the capital (1871). It is now a museum where you can admire paintings and sculptures.

Sansepolcro - Castles, palaces and mansions

Torre di Berta

The Tower of Berta is located in the homonymous square in Sansepolcro. It was built around the 12th century, at the behest of some families in the area. This building is the only one left among the existing ones, since in 1868 they were destroyed and the square was built. It is currently in excellent condition and easily visited by tourists.

Greve in Chianti - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Verrazzano

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Tantucci

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Salimbeni

The Salimbeni Palace is located in the center of the square that bears the same name. The palace has medieval characteristics and was built on the foundations of a castle pre-existing in the 13th century. The style of the palace is typically Gothic Sienese. From the back of the building you can see two towers. The palace has undergone various renovations over the centuries.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Spannocchi

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Tolomei

Historical building in the city of Siena, Palazzo Tolomei is located in the homonymous square. He belonged to the “Ptolemei” family from which it takes its name, was also mentioned by Dante in the V Canto of Purgatory, in which he tells of his death by her husband.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Malavolti - Sozzini

Palazzo Malavolti - Sozzini dates back to the fifteenth century and is part of the historic buildings of the city of Siena. It was owned by the Sienese family of the Counts Sozzini and during the nineteenth century it also welcomed the plant of a garden inspired by the artistic laws of Neoclassicism. During the 19th century, it was enriched with frescoed ceilings, by Luigi Ademollo.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo d'elci

The Palazzo d'Elci degli Alessi is located in the City Street, once called Via Galgaria. The Palace is flanked among the most aristocratic and monumental Sienese residences.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Chigi-Saracini

Located in Siena in “City Street”, Palazzo Chigi-Sacini is one of the most prestigious noble palaces in Siena. Currently, the Palace hosts a private collection of the Accademia Musicale Chigiana.

Siena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo delle Papesse

Palazzo Papesse, located in Siena, houses a center of contemporary art. The Palace was built by the will of the sister of Pope Pius II Catherine. It was finished in about 1495.

Montalcino - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza Medicea

The Medici Fortress was built in 1381 by Mino Foresi and Domenico Feo. It is located in the historic center of Montalcino and is characterized by a pentagonal plan with high and irregular corner towers. The Medici coat of arms is placed on the external walls and the spur is also from the Medici era. The inner courtyard is currently used as a venue for shows and cultural initiatives.

Castiglione d'Orcia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Ripa

The Castle of Ripa, is an architectural complex located in Castiglione d'Orcia. It is also possible to visit its interior.

Pistoia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo del Tau

The Palazzo del Tau is an ancient monastery of the Hospitaliero di Sant'Antonio Abate. Today home to the Marino Marini Museum, inside it we can find sculptures, paintings, lithographs and etchings by the artist known for his sense of movement and drama. The building is also home to an active multipurpose space, in the lobby of the museum there are, in fact, numerous concerts, theatrical performances, conferences, poetry readings or book presentations, enriching the artistic and cultural repertoire of the city.

Pistoia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Pretorio

This building is one of the oldest buildings in Pistoia. According to official documents, Palazzo Pretorio was built after the year 1300 and was the seat of the administrators of the city. In 1880 the palace became the seat of the Court of Justice and changes were indispensable to renew the building and adapting it to the new function.

Pistoia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo dei Vescovi

The Bishops' Palace represents an important example of civil architecture of the Middle Ages, in the heart of the city of Pistoia. It also houses the Chapter Museum, which houses the sacred furnishings and liturgical vestments coming from the Cathedral of San Iacopo.

Pistoia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Fabroni

The structure of the 700 is named after the noble family of the Fabroni who lived there until 1842. It is home to the activities related to the contemporary visual arts of the Municipality of Pistoia. Inside we find the splendid pulpit by Giovanni Pisano (1301). Numerous collections in the building, in particular artists linked to the city by birth and adoption.

Pistoia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo del Comune

On the facade stand out the arms of the Medici and the head of the King of Majorca Negro Musetto, killed by a captain of Pistoia in 1114. The interior is decorated with beautiful frescoes.

Pistoia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza di Santa Barbara

The Fortress of Santa Barbara was built in the 16th century as part of the fortifications established by the will of Duke Cosimo I dei Medici. In 1571, changes were made to the initial structure that gave the appearance it still preserves. Built with military architecture, it does not provide for decorative solutions. Throughout history it has been used as a barracks, but also as a military prison.

Buggiano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello

Medieval village with castle and Palazzo Pretorio dating back to 1200

Volterra - Castles, palaces and mansions

Rocca Vecchia

The Rocca Vecchia was built in 1292 at the behest of the municipality of Volterra. The building was added to the already existing Bishops' Castle. In the fourteenth century, a pentagonal structure was built that incorporated the thirteenth-century. The Rocca Vecchia is connected to the Rocca Nuova, designed later, with a system of balconies and walls.

Volterra - Castles, palaces and mansions

Rocca Nuova

The Rocca Nuova of Volterra was built in 1472 by the Medici family. It was designed to be a fortress with a square shape with four towers. It seems an individual complex but it connects to what is called the Rocca Vecchia with a system of balconies and walls creating a unique and particular architecture. The fortress was exploited as a military base and was later used as a prison since the Medici era.

Pisa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Roncioni

In this historic building they lived important figures, including Vittorio Alfieri, Madame de Stael and Ugo Foscolo who fell in love with the beautiful Isabella Roncioni here, but also suffered his disappointment of love that I inspire him to write the book 'Last Letters by Iacopo Ortis'. In the main floor we can observe the frescoes by the painter Tempesti and a marble fireplace by the sculptor Baratta. This building is the only one on the Lungarno that preserves the airport on the river.

Pisa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Blu

Pisa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Reale

The palace was erected in the late '500 on commission of Francesco I de' Medici. The Florentine master B. Buontalenti was commissioned for the project. The building is located in a prestigious area of Pisa where many centuries before the Marquises of Tuscia lived. In addition, it was Pietro Leopold I's favorite home to spend the winter. The restorations that took place during the centuries gave it its current appearance.

Pisa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo dell'arcivescovado

The palace dates back to the '400 and stands on the remains of an even older building, dating back to at least the twelfth century. It is located in Piazza dell'Archbiscovado and, certainly, it is one of the most impressive palaces in Pisa. The style is typically Florentine, and has a simple façade decorated with exposed stone profiles on the edges and windows. In the inner courtyard you can see the busts of some Archbishops of Pisa and, at its center, a statue of the 18th century depicting Moses.

Pisa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Toscanelli

Palazzo Toscanelli has sixteenth-century origins with an elegant white façade and a marble rusticated portal. It was commissioned by the Lanfranchi family in the '500, on a project by Michelangelo, even if the documents that testify to it have not yet been found. The present appearance is given to her by the renovation of the '800. In 1821 the palace hosted the famous English poet George Byron. It is currently the headquarters of the State Archives.

Pisa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo dell'orologio Torre del Conte Ugolino

Located on the north part of the Piazza dei Cavalieri, is the current home of the Library of the Scuola Normale Superiore. The building was altered a few times during its history - most of it was finished in 1605-1608, while the small bell tower on top was added in 1696.

Pisa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Agostini

The palace is one of the most beautiful on the Pisan promenade, owned by the Agostini family since the end of the '400. The facade of the building is decorated with anthropomorphic terracotta elements and heraldic symbols and is one of the examples of Gothic architecture in Tuscany. In addition to the coat of arms of the Agostini, in the palace there are also the coats of arms of the other families who lived in the palace.

Volterra - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Pignano

The Castle of Pignano is presumed to date back to the twelfth century. Its structure has been subject to various warfare and war attacks over the centuries. Today we can say that it is in good condition and is accessible to the public. It was used as a stately villa and farm, even though it was originally a rural castle.

Pisa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Gambacorti

The building was built during the last years of the '300 and is one of the most famous palaces on the Lungarno. The engineer T. Pisano was commissioned to build this building on behalf of the homonymous family. The main facade is made in Gothic style with delicate mullioned windows while the back facade is typical seventeenth-century with very tall windows and a beautiful portal equipped with the Medici coat of arms. Inside you can see frescoes depicting the maritime victories of Pisa.

Podenzana - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Podenzana

The first information on the Castle of Podenzana came to us in the distant '884 thanks to a documentation from the Abbey of Aulla. The property allows you to admire a magnificent view. The fortress was disputed for a long time between the Luni and the Malaspina. The current castle is not accessible to the public as a private property.

Pontremoli - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza di Castelnuovo

The ancient fortress of Castelnuovo is located on the left bank of the Magra. The ancient fortress remains a tower and a door with a pointed arch. The fortress was part of the defensive system of the village, which was made up of numerous fortified works.

Massa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Ducale

Designed and built by Giovanni Francesco Bergamini in 1705, it is a majestic building that occupies the entire east side of Piazza Aranci. Both the interior and exterior of the building are decorated with beautiful frescoes and stucco of artistic val

Massa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Rocca Malaspina

Dominating the town of Massa, on a rocky outcrop near the city itself, there is the Rocca of Malaspina, composed of one part of medieval origin and by the residence of the Malaspina family.

Mulazzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Lusuolo

The Castle of Lusoil was built around the twelfth century, according to the written sources that document its presence. Thanks to its raised position, it allowed control of the valley bottom. Today we can see most of its structure, even if small parts have been damaged.

Fivizzano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello della Verrucola

The Verrucola Castle was first mentioned in 1044. In 1481, due to an earthquake, much of the building was destroyed. During the 15th century, the Castle was flanked by a church. Of great interest is the arms room located on the ground floor.

Carrara - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Malaspina

The Malaspina Castle is located in the medieval historic center of the city. It takes this name precisely in reference to the family that had it built. It has a square structure and a very elegant sixteenth-century transept. The building is considered a real beauty, both for the type of construction and for the type of material used, such as white and pink marble.

Aulla - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza della Brunella

The fortress consists of beautiful military architecture, and is surrounded by a wonderful park, and a long botanical path. In the central building of the fortress, since 1997, a museum has been inaugurated, consisting of four rooms, offering a complete and innovative description of the Lunigian landscape, focusing the attention of the visitor on the relationship between the human activities of agro-forest-pastoral civilization and natural resources.

Massa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Malaspina

The Malaspina Castle is located on the hill overlooking the coast of Massa. In the past it was the stately home of the Marquises Malaspina of Fosdinovo who carried out various transformations within the structure. Until 1946 the castle was used as a prison site and then was restored by the Superintendence of Monuments of Pisa.

Fosdinovo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Malaspina

The Malaspina Castle of Fosdinovo, dating back from the second half of the twelfth century, stands to the north of Tuscany between the Alps and the Tyrrhenian coast. Today it is a museum, a cultural center dedicated to the contemporary arts, a retreat for artists and writers and a small bed and breakfast.

Lucca - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Brancoli Busdraghi

The construction of Palazzo Brancoli dates back to the 17th century and inside there is a huge private garden. In the old documents of the city, the garden appeared for the first time in 1843, having, in fact, a very special structure. Nowadays it has an irregular shape with access to the north side and numerous flowering species as well as a small rose garden. Currently, it is the headquarters of a hotel, available to all interested parties.

Lucca - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Gigli

Palazzo Gigli has an authentic and very interesting structure. Over time, even if restored, we can see the original system. The Palace belonged to the Gigli family until 1661. Today it is home to the Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca.

Lucca - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Micheletti

Built in the mid-sixteenth century by Bartolomeo Ammannati, it has a baluster wall that encloses a green garden. The palace is joined to the church of San Giovanni (one of the oldest in the city), with the garden of the palace and with the fourteenth-century Casa dell'Opera del Duomo, today the seat of the Banca del Monte di Lucca.

Lucca - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Pfanner

This palace is located on the edge of the Walls of Lucca and was built in 1660. It is known for its wonderful gardens in which there are in addition to seasonal blooms badger plants, pine trees, fruit trees and magnolias. On the sides of the wooden portal there are two niches containing on the right the statue of Hercules and on the left that of Cibele. For its rare beauty, this palace was also used as a set for numerous film films.

Lucca - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Pretorio

This building was built on the corner with Via Vittorio Veneto and is the most remarkable example of the Renaissance period in Lucca. Inside the loggia you can admire the monument to Matteo Civitali, designer of this building and the busts of the explorer Carlo Piaggia and the Garibaldino from Lucca Tito Stroacchi.

Lucca - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Ducale

The building was built in 1401, and over the years it was home to several very important institutions, as well as the home of noble families. The final aspect we see today is the result of B. Ammannati's work in 1578. Today it continues to be the seat of the Provincial Administration, including other important offices in the city.

Pietrasanta - Castles, palaces and mansions

Rocca di Sala

In a dominant position on the hill near the city center, the fortress was renovated in the fourteenth century and enriched with a residential building in the fifteenth century. It hosted illustrious people including emperors and pontiffs. In the 18th century it was unarmed and sold by order of Leopold I, Grand Duke of Tuscany.

Rosignano Marittimo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Rosignano

On a hill, dominating the whole area, stands the Castle of Rosignano. It was built around 1100 as a medieval fortress. Within its walls there are various buildings, not all built in the same period. Fortunately, today it is possible to visit this whole architectural complex.

Populonia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Populonia

Populonia is famous not only for the Fortress, but also for the Etruscan Pupluna, one of the oldest human settlements in the whole of Tuscany. The finds found testify that the area was inhabited at least since the Neolithic period. The fortress had the function of defending the village from threats coming both from the sea and from the inside. The Fortress of Populonia is considered an important point in the fortified architecture in the passage from the castle to the fortress is decisive for the development of the round towers of the sixteenth century fortresses.

Livorno - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza Nuova

The New Fortress is a fortification of Livorno, designed by Bernardo Buontalenti. The construction of the New Fortress dates back to the end of the sixteenth century, at the behest of the Medici government. Currently, the New Fortress stands in the middle of a large water basin and is connected to the city via a small bridge and by some mobile piers made in recent years.

Livorno - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza Vecchia

The Old Fortress is a fortification that stands on the margins of the Medici Port of Livorno. It characterizes and represents the heart of the city, and around it, according to the will of Cosimo I, Livorno developed and transformed from a medieval village to a real city.

Livorno - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Mediceo

The Medici Castle was built in the twenty-ninth century. It was initially used as a castle and later, after a period of abandonment, it became a hotel.

Capraia Isola - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte San Giorgio

Fort San Giorgio dates back to 1540 and was built on the basis of a previous 12th century Pisan fort destroyed by the corsair Dragut. It is located in the high ground and near the port of the Island of Capraia. Until the early eighteenth century, the structure hosted the entire population of the island. During the nineteenth century, some buildings of the East Wing of the fort were destroyed, causing victims among the inhabitants and causing the destruction of the Women's Quarter.

Bibbona - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte di Marina di Bibbona

The Fort of Marina di Bibbona was built in 1785 with a defence function. The facility controlled the entire coastal zone from possible enemy attacks. The building housed the rooms for the guard corps, which patrolled the coastal coast.

Portoferraio - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte Inglese

Il Forte Inglese is located in Portoferraio. It's possible to admire the massive walls fronts but it can't be accessed because it is currently divided into three private properties that do not allow access to the public. It's easy to reach, it is a symbol of the history of the island and offers a wonderful panoramic view.

Portoferraio - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte Stella

Forte Stella in Portoferraio, built on a promontory in 1548 in order to be able to do defensive sightings and report them to the island, is composed of multiple fortified structures in the shape of a star with five angular bastions. The whole structure is perfectly preserved.

Portoferraio - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Volterraio

The crumbling Castle Volterraio of Portoferraio was built on the height of the island for protective and defensive purposes. It has an oval shape and is formed on the slope of the land. You can access it through the drawbridge and you can admire one of the most beautiful views on the island.

Portoferraio - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte Falcone

The Forte Falcone in Portoferraio is located in the highest part of the historical center. It has a structure with a square plan and it's composed of several buildings. Built for defensive purposes boasts the distinction of having underground rooms that leave the decking free, providing a greater time maneuvering in a state of siege.

Capoliveri - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte Focardo

The Fort Focardo is built on the East coast of Capoliveri. Has a modestly sized square. Currently some of the buildings are abandoned, while others were restructured. Once housed the accommodations for the defensive corps and deposits for weapons.

Grosseto - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Aldobrandeschi

Situato in Piazza Dante, il palazzo è attualmente sede della provincia. L’edificio dalle origini medioevali è ora in stile neogotico in quanto fu quasi completamente ricostruito agli inizi del novecento per mano dell’architetto Lorenzo Porciatti.

Reggello - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Leccio

The Castle of Leccio or Sammezzano was built in 1605 under the order of the Ximenes of Aragon, with a Moorish style. In 1878, it hosted King Umberto I. During the twentieth century, after World War II, it was converted into a luxury hotel. It is currently in a state of neglect, but it still retains its splendor. For a year we have been working to bring it back to its original beauty.

Campi Bisenzio - Castles, palaces and mansions

Rocca Strozzi

The Strozzi Fortress was built during the eleventh century by the Mazzinghi family and was later rebuilt by the Florentine Republic after the Battle of Montaperti. It is located near the bridge that connects the historic center with the western districts of Campi Bisenzio. After losing its defence function, it was purchased by the Strozzi family who made it a farm.

Greve in Chianti - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Vicchiomaggio

Castiglion Fiorentino - Castles, palaces and mansions

Logge del Vasari

The Vasari Loggias were built in 1513 and are located in the Piazza del Municipio of Castiglion Fiorentino. They were retouched by Vasari and represent the most significant and best successful work of the architect from Arezzo. The Portico is bright and underneath the entrances of the ancient shops open.

Castiglion Fiorentino - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Montecchio Vesponi

The Castle of Montecchio Vesponi was built around the 9th century and was part of the fief of the Marchiones. The fortress is located on the summit of the hill overlooking the Val di Chiana. The structure consists of powerful walls interspersed with eight towers and an agile main tower of about thirty meters. The walls have signs of the houses used by the peasants and inside the keep is a private residence.

Cortona - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza del Girifalco o Medicea

The Girifalco Fortress is one of the oldest fortresses in the resort, in fact, it is assumed to be used already at the time of the Lombards and Goths. With certainty, however, we have written testimonies starting from 1258. What we see today is not its initial form because over the years it has undergone various changes and restructuring.

Poppi - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello dei Conti Guidi

The Castle of the Counts Guidi in Poppi was built between the 9th and 10th century and was the seat of the feudal family of the Counts Guidi who lived in the manor for almost four hundred years. The current architecture dates back to 1274, when Count Simone di Battifolle had come to power. The main access to the castle, after the last restoration of 1470, was through the Lion Gate. The history of the castle is embellished by the stay that Dante Alighieri made between 1307 and 1311 in the wonderful rooms of this fortress in central Italy, here Dante composed the XXXIII song of Inferno.

Arezzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Pretorio

The Palazzo Pretorio is an ancient building built between the XIII-XIV century. Over the years it has undergone several renovations as it was also used as a prison (17th-20th century), later it became a Medieval Museum and a Picture Gallery (after serious restorations). Today the building is home to the Library of Arezzo, rich in private and public bookstores.

Arezzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo del Comune

The Palazzo Comunale was built in 1333 and is located in the city of Arezzo. The architecture of the building is of fourteenth-century origin. Over time, the palace was restored several times. There are portraits, busts, the stone statue of the Madonna and Child and the Wedding Room with a stone fireplace. Today the palace is home to the Town Hall.

Arezzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo delle Logge del Vasari

The Palazzo delle Logge del Vasari is located in Arezzo. In 1573 the building was designed by Vasari on the requests of the municipality and in 1595 the construction of the building was completed. The architecture of the palace is considered the most beautiful that has ever been realized. Today the palace is among the most visited in the city.

Arezzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici

The Fraternity of Santa Maria dei Laity is a building where a charity association founded in 1262 by a group of Arezzo directed by the friars of the Dominican Order, still active today for the activity welfare of the population. The construction of the structure began at the end of the 14th century, but the works ended only in the 16th century. In 1552 Felice da Fossato realized the famous work of the Clock, which indicates the hours, days, moon phases and the motion of the sun.

Arezzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza Medicea

On the hill of San Donato (Avenue B. Buozzi ), it's an important example of defensive military architecture of the sixteenth century. The ramparts of the Fort are a strategic viewpoint over the city, the Arno Valley.

Sansepolcro - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza Medicea

The fortress of Sansepolcro, designed in the sixteenth century, is situated in the eastern part of the walls still standing. The project is due to Giuliano da Sangallo.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Pucci

The palace was built during the 16th century by Bartolomeo Ammannati. It took its name from Lorenzo and Roberto Pucci, who commissioned the construction. The structure features elements of the neoclassical and architectural decorations of the '800, combined with ancient works, belonging to the family. Currently, it houses a shopping gallery.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Guadagni

The palace was built in 1502, at the behest of Riniero di Bernardo Dei, a silk merchant. The structure is in Renaissance style very different from the other neighboring facilities. The Earnings, from which it also took its name, were the owners of the structure since the '600 and turned the palace into a three-star hotel. Today, we still find all the old decorative elements preserved.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Casa di Bianca Cappello

The palace was erected in the 16th century, at the request of Francesco I de' Medici for Bianca Cappello, his lover. The project was carried out by Bernardo Buontalenti, and over the years there were grotesque decorations, and many other architectural details of the '600. On the facade, there is the coat of arms of the Cappello family. Currently, the building houses the laboratories and the Cabinet Vieusseux archive.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Casa di Galileo Galilei

The house was called 'Galileo Galilei, 'since it was purchased by the scientist in 1634. The original structure dates back to the '300, but it has undergone numerous restorations over the years. On the facade there is the coat of arms with the image of Galilei, and a tombstone that testifies to the visit of Ferdinand II, a Grand Duke of the Time, in the palace.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Casa Ridolfi

Casa Ridolfi was built in the '300, but its current appearance is the result of a deep restoration of the 19th century. It took its name from its owners, the Ridolfi di Piazza, in honor of which there is also the coat of arms on the facade. The structure is solid, and made of strong stone, with simple decorations.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Strozzi

Palazzo Strozzi is a fifteenth century Palace which was built by Benedetto Maiano for a high class elder who was a great rival of Medici rule. He wanted a paramount place where he could continue to show the family prominence. The palace is now home to the Humanist studies Institute

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Rucellai

Palazzo Rucellai is a 15th century palatial townhouse located in Florence, Via della Vigna Nuova.The palace is thought to have been designed by Leon Battista in the years between 1146 and 1451.The magnificent building is a big attraction to the visitors due to its beautiful designs and marveling architectural work

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti has a rich history, it was originally owned by a famous Italian banker, Luca Pitti.It was later bought by the Medici family and became the main residence of the Grand Duke. Here a visitor will find great possessions which were amassed over time; jewelry, paints and other luxurious possessions can be found here

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte Belvedere

A fort with great historical importance, it served several purposes; it was used to protect the city from outside aggression, as a palace for the Florence rulers and as a symbol of power, it was also the structure which was to provide protection for the Grand Duke if the city came under any outside aggression.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Villa la Petraia Sesto Fiorentino (FI)

Villa La Petraia sits in Castello,the building one of the Medici villas has changed hands several times since it was built. In 1364 it was in the hands of Brunelleschi family, in 1422 it was bought by Strozzi Palla and later sold to Salutati family before finally settling at Medici family. The house is open to the public view free of charge.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Casa alla Rovescia

The Overhead House has a very special architectural structure. The balcony is supported by strong enough supports, but the building elements are put upside down: a detail that's quite bizarre for the weather. By many, it was initially thought of as a 'joke' of the architect.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Casa di Bettino Ricasoli

The palace dates back to the 17th century and took its name from Bettino Ricasoli, who lived in its interior. The structure is typical Florentine, and has simple decorative elements. Over the years, the palace hosted many political meetings, organized by Ricasoli. Currently, the Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze has its headquarters.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Salviati

The palace dates back to the '400, it was purchased in 1456 by Jacopo Salviati, from whom it also took its name. Over the years, the building had numerous owners and in 1709 it hosted the King of Denmark, Frederick IV. Inside there are works of art from different periods, there are frescoes, paintings, sculptures, works by great artists such as Donatello, Cellini and Bronzino. Today, the building is home to Banca Toscana.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Soldani

The palace, also known as “Palazzo Vita”, was built in the fourteenth century, and took its name from the Soldani family, who bought it in 1480. The current appearance is the result of a series of restorations undergone in 1908, which changed the entire facade, giving the structure new elements, very different from those of the '300. The palace is considered a national heritage of art.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Borghese

The Borghese Palace dates back to the Neoclassical period and is one of the most important buildings in the city. Inside it still has beautiful frescoes today. The structure was owned by the Borghese family from which it also took its name. In 1843 it was purchased by Luigi Cappelli. Currently, it houses an accommodation facility.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Villa Medicea di Poggio Imperiale

The villa was built in the '500. Over the years, the structure has undergone several restorations, which gave it a totally different look from the original one. The building was amplified and enriched with neoclassical decorations. Today, the villa hosts a religious female college.

Florence - Castles, palaces and mansions

Casa di Filippo Lippi

The house is assumed that it was built around the fifteenth century, and it was the building, where the great artist Filippp by Tommaso Lippi was born and lived. The structure is simple, small, but well maintained. On the facade there is also the tombstone dedicated to Lippi. Currently the house is the property of the Carmelite Fathers.

Fivizzano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello dell' Aquila

The Aquila Castle was the property of the Marquises Malaspina del Ramo Fiorito. For almost ten years the building has undergone major restorations. From the terrace of the castle you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Apuan Alps. Currently, it is open to the public.

Livorno - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Granducale

The Grand Ducal Palace was built at the beginning of the '600, at the behest of Ferdinand I de' Medici. The original project was carried out by Antonio Cantagallina, but it was restored several times over the years, and today it has a structure very different from what it was initially. The building housed many famous people, including Napoleon. Today it is the headquarters of the offices of the Province of Livorno.

Lucca - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Orsetti

The Orsetti Palace was built by the Diodati family. Today the municipality is located in the palace of Orsetti. Outside the building we observe a beautiful garden, inside which there are trees and in the center a well. The garden is bordered by high walls. On the ground floor you can see some beautiful rooms with wall paintings from the 19th century. On the first floor there are beautiful rooms, among which the most important are that of Mirrors and the Music Room.

Lucca - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Tucci

Palazzo Tucci is a structure of the sixteenth century although it underwent radical restoration in 1779 by Giuseppe Tucci and, as a result, nothing remains of the medieval aspect. The restoration project was given to Diodati, one of the best architects of the time, who gave the palace an entirely Baroque style. Today the palace is home to a hotel that hosts many tourists who wish to visit it.

Lucca - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Cenami

Palazzo Cenami was built in the '500 by Nicolao Civitali, on commission of the Arnolfini family. Seventy years later, the palace was purchased by the Cenami family. Its structure is typical of the 16th century and you can notice Florentine elements. Currently, the palace hosts several local exhibitions and is open to the public.

Tuscany castles, palaces and mansions

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